Sexual Orientation
Hear this word Sexual Orientation
Image description: Experiencing attraction
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What Is It?
Sexual orientation is how people describe who or what they are emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to in others. A person’s sexual behavior does not always reflect a person’s sexual orientation (or feelings of attraction).
An Example
Dylan describes their own sexual orientation as bisexual because they are attracted to men and women.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Sexual orientation is based on who people are attracted to. Sexual orientation is not based on gender identity, gender expression, or even sexual behavior.
- There are many different sexual orientations. Some common words people might use are gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, heterosexual, pansexual and people might be questioning or exploring their sexual orientation.
- Some people experience their sexual orientation as staying the same throughout their life, and some people experience their sexual orientation as fluid.
- Other people should not make assumptions about another person’s sexual orientation. We cannot label another person’s sexual orientation. We can only share our own sexual orientation or the gender(s) of the people we are attracted to.
Think about
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What did you learn about sexual orientations?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.